Longcase clocks :: George Booth ( Manchester)

George Booth Manchester c 1710

George Booth, while perhaps better known for his eight day work , also produced fine 30 hour clocks as can be seen from the early example illustrated here.This clock would appear to date from around 1710 or just after,which puts it right at the start of Booths working life.

The case which is 7ft tall, has many early features, which include frets to three sides of the hood, above large side windows and barley twist pillars, the trunk having a long door surrounded by a D mould with a large oval lenticle and overhanging trunk to base moulding.With a trunk width of 13 inches the case has a stocky apearance which is often a feature of early north western clocks.This case is similar in many ways to a clock by James worthington of Warrington illustrated in the book Time and Place English country clocks, so much so that it would lead one to believe it was made by the same case maker.

The 11 inch dial is well engraved with multiple c scroll half hour markers and shaded lozenge half hour markers often favoured in the north west. The original hands are delicate and beautifully made.The dial also has a seconds dial, a feature sometimes seen in 30 hour work which calls for an extra wheel in the going train.The movement plates are large with knopped and finned pillars . All the wheelwork is original.

In all a very original clock, dating from the early days of provincial clockmaking.